Why do we believe what we believe? What makes Christians different from any other religion, or even a club or civic organization for that matter? Good questions. They all do good things for people.
Is that enough? Be good, do good, and you’ll be rewarded either in this life or the next? Is that all there is? It seems awfully shallow, insecure and stressful. Who’s keeping score? Can our good keep a faster pace than our bad?
There’s a better way, and it all begins with God:
God created everything
GOD IS SUPREME
GENESIS 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
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God always has been and always will be. Before the Earth, the universe, and time itself, God is. He created it all as an expression of who He is.
Including a friend
GOD IS RELATIONAL
GENESIS 1:27
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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To be a friend, you must choose to be. God wanted a companion, so He created people. He didn’t create a pet, a robot, a slave. We’re a reflection of God — created in His image — and have the ability to choose to be His companion. Or not.
We chose to reject God
WE FAIL
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
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We’ve all done it — decided that our way is better. But we know better. It’s called sin — what we know is right, but our desire, selfishness and pride overtakes us and makes us slaves to it. There’s no escape.
Our choice kills us
WE ARE MORTAL
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Even one sin makes us imperfect. And because of it, we have no option but to die, separated from God, tormented by our own demons forever. Unless there is outside help, we have no hope. But, there is hope…
God chose to send His Son to pay for our sin
GOD IS MERCIFUL
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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Someone has to pay. We’ve violated the perfection God requires. We’re all guilty, and should be punished. And yet, God has provided a way for us to escape that punishment. He did it by allowing His perfect Son to be punished in our place. It wasn’t fair, but it was the only way. Jesus placed himself between us and death, and sacrificed His life to save us from the same fate. But three days after He was killed, God raised Him from the dead. He ascended to Heaven and lives forever. He’s overcome death, and also made a path for us to escape.
We still have to choose
WE ARE FREE
Romans 10:13
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
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God still wants a friend to love. He has chosen us. But He also leaves it up to us whether we choose Him or choose ourselves. It’s really that simple. Just believing in God isn’t enough. It’s our gratitude to Christ and His sacrifice, our devotion to God, and our willingness to reject our own selfish pride is what changes everything.
So, what do you choose?
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Luke 9:23
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Romans 8:1
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
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Admitting that you need help is hard. That’s pride. Letting go of control in your life can be frightening. That’s fear. Not wanting – or able – to give up things in your life that you know are wrong is enslaving. That’s selfishness.
On your own, you can’t do it. Ask Jesus Christ for His help to give you humility to admit you need His help. The courage and trust to take a step toward Him. And enough love for Him to abandon those things that weigh you down. It will be the most fulfilling, exciting, freeing, comforting, life-changing decision you’ll ever make in your life.
He’s chosen. He’s waiting. What will you choose?